Seems ironic, no? In the spell of early Spring that gives new life to earth and all her charms, she opens the heavy doors of Winter’s castle to let the brilliant light of April in, welcoming Aries fire to come bounding through with enthusiasm to spare! Usually. This year, we have been taken by surprise. The plague of recent weeks has us all in an extended state of flux, immobile and uncertain, making the longed-for return of vitality seemingly nowhere to be found. How strange is it to see the trees budding, but to feel trepidation for venturing out to join them? Well, mes amours, I am here to tell you that the bright force that holds court this time of year has not abandoned us. Quite the contrary, in fact: even though we are stuck indoors and fielding every possible emotion, not to mention those among us who are battling physical wars right now, there is cosmic energy available. And it’s strong. Though it’s easy to sink into a hole mentally right now, I do urge you to take the higher path, because it will serve you far greater than wallowing in fear. It isn’t easy, I know, but as I said last month, kitten steps are just fine right now. As always, Aries is the time for manifesting on the physical plane, for taking actions that lead to something real, and for knowing that strength – that celestial support – is there for you.
We closed March with not only a mad blur of unprecedented difficulties, we also had the strongest New Moon of the year for setting new plans into motion. Whatever it is you are wishing to take form, it can happen now. I’m talking beyond what you need to feel good on a daily basis, but what you want to birth when this mad haze clears. As we enter this month, we have a full seven days still-waxing Moon to work our magick, but that’s not all – we have Aries energy with us until the 19th, when Taurus will help to solidify our wishes for long-term stability. I’ve said it before: this is my favorite combination of the year, because you follow the sheer force of the Ram’s unequalled will with the steadying rootedness of the Bull. If you really want something, and it is in the interest of the highest good, it can absolutely happen. But you need to work the vibes now.
What’s even more, Mercury goes into Aries on April 11th, for sixteen days of pure fire power for connecting with those who can assist you in your plans – use it!
But just prior, on April 7th (10:35 pm EST,) we have a lovely Full Growing Moon in harmonious Libra, just waiting for you! This Venus-ruled Moon is just beautiful; social, charming, and bursting with creative opportunities. All things poetic and romantic are in the spotlight now, and paired with the power of the Aries Sun, you are in for a delightful spell, one in which you can be unstoppable. The cosmos favor self-confident vibes laced with the ability to put into action what you have been dreaming up, balanced by Libra’s signature diplomacy.
I’ve conjured a very special treat for you to celebrate this glorious moment – a beautifying blend of fresh, Spring garden gorgeousness, mood-boosters, and serious fire potency. Did I mention it takes the form of a decadent, luscious cake? Oui! A raw, vegan, plant-powered delight sans gluten and refined sugars that transforms a beauty-sapping favorite into something a Smart Witch can really sink her teeth into: my version of the ubiquitous carrot cake. I’ve changed its name due to a due to a dislike for the banal, and a passion for all things lusty and fabulous. Try it.
Gâteau de Luxure
Beauty Bite
For the icing:
1-1/4 cup raw cashews, soaked for 1 hour
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 packets stevia, or as desired
For the gateau:
3 large carrots, chopped
13 dates, pitted and chopped
2-1/2 cups raw walnuts, chopped
½ cup coconut flour
¼ cup raisins
1/2” piece ginger root, grated
1 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pinch of Celtic sea salt
The star with top billing this month is the perennial Springtime favorite, the bright and beautiful carrot. These sweet, humble roots are potent anti-agers! Loaded with vitamin A, antioxidants, fiber, biotin and B6, carrots are a serious skin food that also banish belly bloat, boost your immune system, and even improve eye health. What’s more, carrots are ruled by Mars and fire, and are filled with lust magick. Spring fever, did you say?
Cashews Ruled by the Sun’s fire, creamy cashews bring forth money magick. High in beauty fats, they are also rich in nutrients, protein, minerals, and vitamin E – a highly effective oil which repairs skin, including wrinkles. They are a good natural source of selenium, an antioxidant which helps to protect cells from damage, thereby preventing accelerated ageing in skin.
Coconut Sweet, buttery coconut oil is known for its beautifying fats, but is also a bacteria-fighter that prevents viruses and other harmful pathogens from attacking. This lunar-ruled gem also heightens spirituality and psychic awareness.
Lemon Bright, zesty lemon is a lunar-ruled fruit of love, happiness, and cleansing. It’s vitamin C kick helps to boost immunity, while its high level of calcium strengthens teeth and bones. A natural detoxifier, lemon cheers and energizes while clarifying skin.
Vanilla This delightful vine wafts in sensually by way of Venus, heavy on the love and sexual magick. It’s heady aroma and flavor intoxicates, and its aphrodisiac powers are legendary. Vanilla is also rich in copper, which helps to promote collagen and elastin production. It soothes, protects from environmental stresses, and carries an enchanted scent.
Cinnamon, Ginger and Nutmeg These heavenly-scented spices are age-old healers infused with potent fire magick to bring love, passion, abundance, and increased abilities in the Witches’ realm.
Raisins Lunar raisins bring forth abundance and creation energy in the form of tiny, nutrient-dense natural sweeteners. The contain high amounts of iron, B, antioxidants, and vital beauty minerals, and Arginine – a surefire way to ignite your sex drive.
Walnuts More solar power comes from these protective gems, as does a wealth of beauty benefits. Rich in minerals, iron, folate, and calcium, walnut has long been associated with wealth magick.
Celtic sea salt is a potent detoxifier, and rich in all precious trace minerals. It is harvested by ancient methods, and left in its natural state, bringing pure sea magic straight to you.
Beauty Witch Secret: Orange foods build and strengthen our immune systems. Corresponding to the second or sacral chakra, orange symbolizes the center of emotional, sensual, and sexual consciousness.
You can get a head start on this recipe by soaking your cashews in pure water, setting them aside, then making your coconut cream. Pop your coconut milk into the freezer for 30 minutes to one hour. When you take it out, there will be a hardened layer on the top – that’s the cream. You want to scoop that out (all of it) and place it in a food processor (save the remaining liquid left behind for use in smoothies, your bath, or a facial masque.) Next, add the cashews to the food processor, along with the rest of the icing ingredients, and blend until the mixture has a smooth, creamy texture. Cover, and refrigerate, then wash out the food processor to make the gâteau. Combine carrots, dates, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt, and pulse until carrots are finely ground. Spoon into a large mixing bowl, then add in the flour, walnuts and raisins. This should give you a moist texture that sticks together when you pinch it. Pour into a 7”-9” round baking dish or pie plate, and smooth it out evenly.
Then, using your fingers, press it firmly into the pan. Cover the top with the icing, spreading evenly. As you are creating this divine nibble, visualize your creations taking solid form, feel the bliss of pure love and light coursing through you, then send it out into the world – people need that joy right now. Cover and refrigerate. This confection keeps well for days in the fridge and freezes well. When you are ready to enjoy it, cut into slices and revel in each bite, knowing you are feeding your body and your beauty with raw plant power, fresh and full of life force. It delivers everything you love about the traditional version, but without the beauty-sapping downside. You’ll get a surge of that vibrancy that assures your presence on the right path – no need to fall into a rut of junk food right now (or ever!) This world needs you strong and glowing, alight with the magick of the cosmos.
On April 19th, passionate Aries makes way for steadfast Taurus, allowing you to settle down and take root. You’ll need it too, after the high-energy of the past few weeks. Even if you’ve been cooped up, your internal fires have risen, peaked, and now they begin to ground. An earthy New Moon in Taurus on April 22nd (10:26pm EST) will help you do just that. It falls, of course, on Earth Day by no coincidence, making it a stellar New Moon for some natural magick. Get outside, no matter where you are! Touch your bare feet to the earth, listen to the trees, woo the flowers, and have a good chat with wild creatures. If you can’t, cozy up to vivacious indoor plants and connect with them by gently touching their leaves, placing your fingers in the soil, and whispering love to them. This Moon allows you to lock something in place for the long haul, so make sure it’s what you really want, as wishes granted by Taurus can be extremely tough to change or undo.
As a way of welcoming Spring, and allowing all her abundance in, I have conjured a facial for you that revitalizes your skin with fresh nutrients and ancient beauty magick. Let go of the last traces of old energy and revive your face (along with your spirit) as this brightening, renewing blend leaves your face positively glowing. It even noticeably softens fine lines and wrinkles!
Vibrant Vixen
Facial Masque and Exfoliant
1-2 treatments
1 tablespoon grated carrot
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
6 drops carrot seed essential oil
2 teaspoons coconut flour
1 teaspoon coconut milk
Besides our beloved carrot and coconut, we are joined by a legendary beauty secret. Turmeric is an ancient Ayurvedic spice that wards off UV damage, brightens skin, fades dark circles, moisturizes, and acts as a potent anti-inflammatory for irritated skin. Ruled by Mercury, it is used to ward off demons.
Beauty Witch Secret: April 1st honors Hathor, the great Egyptian goddess of beauty and love. Keep her close this month, and ask for her guidance in staying connected to your beauty rituals during difficult times – they not only invoke a sense of peace and well-being, but honor you with powerful love that can be expressed through helping others.
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl, adding more almond milk/coconut flour as needed to create a smooth paste. What you want here is a thick texture to bind the chunkiness of the carrots. Apply a layer to a clean face, massaging the potion into skin in circular motions. Gently apply a second layer, pressing the masque into the skin, and allow it to site for 10-20 minutes. Steam from a bath or shower will increase its potency, so be careful if you have very sensitive skin, as this potion is highly active – you may want to try a small test area. As you relax with the masque on, turn your focus to what it is you would like to take root, and really feel what that would be like. When you are ready, remove the masque by wetting a face cloth in warm water and pressing it to the skin, then softly wiping the potion away. Rinse well, and pat dry. It may cause a slight pinkness to the skin when it is first removed, but this is just blood circulating and coming to the surface – the redness will subside quickly. Follow with a toning mist and moisturizing serum or crème.
And that will bring us to the end of the always-magickal month of April. Hold onto those sensual Taurus vibes as they take you into next month, and may you all be healthy, safe, and happy – now and always.
Love and Stardust,
Xo Alise
